Avoiding – Definition & Meaning

Avoiding is a term that is commonly used in our daily lives. It is a word that refers to the act of keeping away from something or someone. Avoiding can be used in different contexts, and it is often associated with negative situations or experiences that people want to avoid. In this article, we will explore the meaning of avoiding, its origin, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of how it is used in sentences.

Definitions

Avoiding is defined as the act of staying away from someone or something. It is a term that is commonly used to describe the behavior of people who do not want to engage in certain activities or situations. Avoiding can also refer to the act of preventing something from happening by taking precautionary measures.

Origin

The origin of the word avoiding can be traced back to the Old French word ‘esvuidier,’ which means to empty out or evacuate. The word was later adapted into Middle English as ‘avoiden,’ which meant to shun or stay away from. Over time, the word evolved into its current form, which is used to describe the act of keeping away from something or someone.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The meaning of avoiding can vary slightly depending on the dictionary. According to Merriam-Webster, avoiding means to keep away from or prevent from happening. Oxford Dictionary defines avoiding as the act of staying away from someone or something. Collins Dictionary describes avoiding as the act of shunning or keeping away from someone or something.

Associations

Avoiding is often associated with negative situations or experiences that people want to avoid. For example, people may avoid going to the dentist because they are afraid of the pain or discomfort that may be associated with the visit. Similarly, people may avoid certain foods or activities because they are allergic or have had a negative experience in the past.

Synonyms

There are several synonyms for avoiding, including evading, eluding, dodging, and shunning. These words all describe the act of keeping away from something or someone.

Antonyms

The antonyms of avoiding include engaging, embracing, confronting, and facing. These words describe the opposite of avoiding, which is to actively participate in or confront a situation or experience.

The same root words

The same root words as avoiding include void, avoidable, and avoidance. These words all have a similar meaning and are often used interchangeably with avoiding.

Example Sentences

Here are a few examples of how avoiding can be used in sentences:

  • She is avoiding the party because she doesn’t like the people who will be there.
  • He is avoiding the highway because he doesn’t want to get stuck in traffic.
  • The company is taking measures to avoid a potential lawsuit.
  • The athlete is avoiding certain foods to maintain a healthy diet.
  • The student is avoiding the library because it is too noisy.
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